Saturday’s football game against Syracuse isn’t officially homecoming at N.C. State, but it might as well be considering the reunions taking place at Carter-Finley Stadium.

The most interesting one to Wolfpack fans will be the return of the 1973 team that went undefeated in the ACC and won the league championship under coach Lou Holtz.

Among those expected to be on hand to be honored are twin brothers Dave and Don Buckey – who led the team in passing and receiving, respectively, and have been chosen to represent State as part of this year’s ACC Legends Class.

Other team members include ACC Player of the Year Willie Burden and fellow running backs Stan Fritts, Roland Hooks and Charley Young – a group that went by the nickname “The Stallions” – along with offensive linemen Bill Yoest and Rich Druschel, interceptions leader Mike Devine and kick returner Ralph Stringer.

Saturday’s game will also represent a reunion of sorts for six members of the coaching staffs at State and Syracuse, all of whom worked together at Northern Illinois.

“I’ve worked with a lot of these guys, Matt Canada, Mike Uremovich, (and fellow State assistants) Frisman Jackson and Clayton White. There are four of my good friends,” Shafer said. “It will be great. It will be a backyard contest for us and we’ll talk about it after the season for sure. I have a great respect for these guys and I’m looking forward to the matchup.”

State head coach Dave Doeren also has ties to Northern Illinois, having led the Huskies to Mid-America Conference championships the past two seasons before being hired by the Wolfpack in December.

The Wolfpack’s actual homecoming is scheduled for Nov. 2 against rival North Carolina.